Your 21st is a big milestone where you say goodbye to your childhood and hello to a future of possibilities. Whether you are the first one in your group of friends to hit 21, or the last, your birthday should be one to remember... and one that everyone else will remember too.
It may seem like a tall order but don’t panic because Event Planner is here to help you create an epic birthday party. We have an extensive guide on how to make the perfect 21st birthday bash. From giving you tips on venues and entertainment, to suggesting people who can take care of it all for you. This guide will show you exactly what you need to help make planning your 21st birthday as easy as blowing out the candles on your birthday cake.
Find a 21st Birthday Venue
| This is your night and your venue should reflect your personality. Figure this out at the start of your birthday planning and the rest will fall into place. Is your vibe going to be intimate with just a few close friends/ family, or, are you wanting a big bash with as many guests as possible? Having a party at home can be a great option when you have just a few people (or on a tight budget), but it can get a bit overwhelming if you have a bigger guestlist - which is when hiring a venue could be the best option for you. |  |
The Best 21st Birthday Venues
Private venue hire is an easy way to impress your friends and make your birthday one to remember. The choice is endless with nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, hotels, and community halls, that are available to hire across the country.
A good way to narrow down your choice is by capacity as you don't want the space to be empty or for people treading on each other's toes. Also think of what represents you best; is it an epic dance floor or dj that you want? Or maybe you want something more chilled and a local pub or community hall will give you a chance to catch-up with everyone.
Wherever you decide, have a chat with the venue and see what packages they can offer. Some will simply hire a space while others have decoration, entertainment, catering, and drinks packages.
Rooftop Bars
Most cities including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have rooftop bars that will give your 21st birthday a backdrop to remember. If you are looking for something truly spectacular then Wanaka, Queenstown and the Bay of Islands offer views across some of New Zealand's most iconic scenery. Don't forget to ask the venue if they offer any packages on food, drink and entertainment.
Boat Party Cruise
Take in New Zealand's stunning landscape from the sea with a birthday boat trip. Your group size is crucial for this type of event and will determine what type of package you need. If it’s a small group of your nearest and dearest why not look at a luxury dinner cruise. If your guest list is larger, you may want to go all out and hire an entire yacht, or dance the night away on a party boat.
If a sophisticated event is how you’d like to celebrate, then aprivate dining room is your best option. Perhaps there's a high-end restaurant you always wanted to try, or a cuisine you love to indulge in. Whether it’s an intimate party with just a few close friends or a large banquet, there are plenty of restaurants and conference spaces ready and willing to host your 21st birthday.
Click Here To View The Best 21st Venues
21st DJs for Hire
Wherever you decide on hosting your party entertainment is crucial for an unforgettable 21st birthday. Check if your venue includes entertainment in your package. If not, there are some great options to choose from and it’s a fun part of the event planning process.
Hire a DJ
Music really is the life and soul of the party. Good music gets everyone dancing, singing, and laughing - depending on how bad your moves are. Take away the stress of making a playlist andhire a DJto get it right. DJs usually play throughout the night and will adapt their tunes to suit the mood of the party. Job sorted.
Here Are The Best 21st DJs - Get Quotes
Live Music
Give your friends a real sense of FOMO with a live band at your party.Hiring a bandbuilds the atmosphere of your party and gets everyone moving. Choose from a variety of genres from pop, rock, soul, funk, and jazz. Cover bands are a great way to sing along to your favourites and over indulge in your guilty pleasure music choices.
Show off with Karaoke
Take to the spotlight and sing your heart out by hiring a karaoke system. It's always hilarious, everyone gets carried away with it, and it makes for some cringe-worthy snapchat videos. It’s also an affordable option to kick start your 21st birthday.
Blast out a Spotify Playlist
Every house party has had a playlist boomed out of a phone or portable speakers. Take it up a notch for your 21st birthday and hire a proper sound system to ensure no reverb destroys your favourite tune. You could also set the mood and bring the nightclub to you byhiring simple lighting systems.
Try your luck with Casino Hire
Bring the Casino to you and try your luck at the dice.Hiring a casino for your venue or at home will make your 21st birthday one to remember. You could even go all out with a themed Las Vegas party or just have a bit of friendly competition with your mates. Let the good times roll.
Hire an Impersonator
Get your crowd laughing by hiring an impersonator. A night of Austin Powers or impressions of the Royal Family will make your party one to remember due to all the happy tears shed.
Add the Wow factor with a Magician
Fill your guests with a sense of wonder by hiring a live magician for your birthday bash. Have your best friend quack like a duck by letting loose a hypnotist amongst your mates. Whether you opt for a mysterious sit-down performance, or, have your magician mingle amongst the crowd, you are guaranteed a special evening of entertainment.
You want to go all out and plan an unforgettable trip.
Spread your 21st birthday over several days with an unforgettable getaway. Organising a trip abroad is great for those who love planning a holiday but if the idea of writing an itinerary makes you sweat, then consider something closer to home and explore New Zealand instead. Wherever you end up, the excitement, time spent together, and the chance to relax will make your 21st birthday one you can cherish forever.
Escape Abroad
The anticipation and excitement of going abroad is a great way to hype up your 21st birthday. However, it can seem like a daunting task to start planning. The first step will be to decide on where you’d like to go. Do you want to relax somewhere tropical like Fiji, Samoa or the Cook Islands? Would a city break in Oz suit you better? Or the clubbing vibe of Bali? Once your location is chosen set yourself a budget and start booking. By booking in advance you make sure you secure the best flight and hotel deals. Also, having an itinerary for your getaway helps keep everyone together and things running smoothly, but always allow some time for spontaneity too.
Wine Tour and Tasting
Start training those taste buds and spend the day sipping on some of New Zealand's best wines. With hundreds of wineries spread across both islands you are spoilt for choice on where to go. From Auckland sample the wines of Waiheke Island, or if you’re down south, check-out the vineyards of Marlborough. Each winery has its own take on a tasting day trip, you can choose between bicycle tours, hop-on hop-off bus tours, classic wine tasting experiences, as well as a variety of dining options.
Theme ideas for your 21st Birthday
Dressing up isn’t just for little kids or halloween; turn your 21st into an unforgettable memory and show off those costume talents with a themed party. As you were born in the 90’s why not use this as your theme - bring back the double denim and sequins!
Other themes could be a sophisticated Black & White party (you can always wear a colour to really stand out), Heroes & Villains, Las Vegas Casino, Carnival, Mad Hatters Tea Party, The Great Gatsby, or even a letter party where you make your friends dress up as something that starts with the first letter of your name.
Having a theme to work around makes planning a party a breeze as you have narrowed down the endless possibilities. Use a local theming company to bring your decor, food, and music in line with your theme. Alternatively cut down on costs and use these party supply companies to create your own decorations.
Make sure your guests are fed and watered
Making sure your guests have enoughfood and drink can be one of the more stressful parts of event planning, but it is also one of the most crucial. Hiring a catering company or food truck will take away the need to guess how much to stock up on in order to keep everyone happy. With so many cuisines and styles to choose from it's a fun choice to make too.
Catering Companies
When it’s your birthday you don't want to have to worry if the food is hot enough and the drinks are cold. Let someone else prepare and serve the beverages and nibbles while you enjoy your moment - you only turn 21 once after all. We have an extensive list of catering companies to suit all themes and tastes, check them out here.
Food Trucks
For something a bit more trendy why not hire a food truck? They can park outside your venue or home and serve up delicious dishes, from classic burgers, hot dogs, and pizzas to something a bit more exotic like Mexican street food, Spanish paella and African Braai.
Grazing platters and tables
Do something a bit different and make your party food one for the instagram with a colourful grazing platter or table. These centrepieces can be savoury or sweet and are tailored to your needs. Guests can help themselves to the platters, or an entire table can be set for a sit down event.
Desert/ Lolly Station
If you have a sweet tooth then this is one of the tastiest items to arrange for your birthday. You could hire a desert food truckthat serves churros or ice-cream. Set-up a sweet shop station and lollipop stands. But you can’t beat an iconic chocolate fountain complete with strawberries and marshmallows to dip in and over indulge.
THE 21st Birthday Cake
You can’t have a birthday without a cake especially a 21st. To mark this milestone you need something delicious so pick a specialist cake maker or bakeryto whip up your birthday cake. You can opt for a traditional celebration cake, a tiered cake that will feed a big guestlist, cupcakes, or even a cheesecake. Make sure you tell them how many guests you are expecting and if you have any dietary requirements.
Set the scene with your decorations
Most people underestimate the impact decorations can have on an event and often rush them at the last minute. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap for your 21st party. Give yourself time to plan, organise and set-up your decorations as these will make or break your guest’s first impressions.
Party Supplies and Balloons
The core decorations everyone needs for a party are your balloons, banners, poppers and party bags. Instead of traipsing around numerous shops, why not get all your gear from a party supplier who often create packages of all the essentials. Make sure you enquire about large number balloons for that all important 2,1 balloon birthday selfie.
Flower Arrangements
If you are hosting an elegant and sophisticated party, or maybe an afternoon tea, then flowers are the perfect finishing touches. They add a dash of colour and help set the tone of the event for you. If you are unsure of what you need then just ask one of our floristswho will be able to give you some inspiration.
Uplights and Spotlights
Set the mood of your event instantly with some well placed lights. Hiring a lighting specialist will help design the look you want to create. You could have the soft twinkle of fairy lights in your garden marquee, or a floodlight stage to host your karaoke, perhaps LED uplights along your venue wall will help make it ooze sophistication.
Project those baby Photos
Be proud of those chubby baby days and look back through the past 20 years of your life on a large TV screen or hire a projector. This is a great sentimental touch that will also have you and your guest laughing. Why not rope your friends into the humiliation and ask everyone to send through a baby snap and let the group guess who it is.
Hire someone to Decorate for You
If the idea of putting these final touches onto your big event is getting too much, why not hire someone to do it for you? Event styling companies have a great eye for detail and can really pull out all the stops to make your 21st birthday unique.
Don’t forget the Party Basics
If you are hosting the event at home or in an empty venue then don’t forget to think about the basics like tables, chairs, glasses and cutlery. Our list of party and event hire specialists will help highlight exactly what you need, check them out here.
Look your best!
Your venue is sorted, theme has been decided, entertainment booked, food & drink pre-ordered, decorations picked. Now for the best bit...you! This is your 21st birthday and you need to look your best without being stressed on the day. Why not hire a make-up artist and hair stylist to bring out your best features. Wear a killer suit or dress for that extra level of glam and really impress your friends and family.
Make-up Artist
Give yourself the look you’ve always wanted and allow a professional make-up artist to accentuate your natural beauty. If your going fancy dress complete the look with some high impact movie-style make-up.
Hair Stylist
You’ve thought about every other detail so let's not forget your hairstyle. You can choose between a number oflocal hair styliststo find the perfect match for your outfit. Bringing a picture of what you’d like can save disappointment so go prepared when you meet your stylist.
Suit Hire
At 21, there isn’t much need to own a suit so why not hire a suit for your big celebration? Bring out your inner James Bond and look dapper for your 21st birthday event.
Dress Hire
Your 21st party dress is only going to be worn once so why buy when you can hire? Have a great day out with your best friend or mum and try on all the styles you see your favourite celebrities in. Try a 1920’s frock, princess ball gown, or a red-carpet worthy piece. By hiring your dress you will also save some money, as they are a fraction of the cost of a new number.
Make your Entrance
Turn up in style to your 21st birthday party and make an entrance to remember with an epic transport hire.
Limousine
It's a classic for a reason. Show up to your red carpet birthday event in true Hollywood fashion in your private limousine. Either go it solo or bring your group of friends along for the ride and a few glasses of bubbles.
Hummerzine
A hummerzineis perfect for a pre-party or afterparty with your friends. Cruise around town as the VIP’s you know you are and see in your 21st birthday in style.
Party Bus
If you’re wanting to transport a large group then a party buscould be just what you need. A great start or end to the night with the tunes blaring. Many party buses offer drinks packages as well so make sure you enquire.
Helicopter
If you are being a true celebrity A-lister for your 21st birthday then there is no other mode of transport than a helicopter. If you are going on a wine tour for your birthday then some vineyards offer a helicopter arrival, perfect for a truly unique event.
Capture Your Moment
After all this effort, the last thing you want is grainy distorted photos of the party to look back on. This milestone should be captured properly and you don’t want to worry about it on the night either. Hiring a photographer or videographer is a great way to make your 21st birthday party last forever.
Hire a Photographer
Find a photographer that suits your taste and budget with our extensive list of local photographers. Let them capture your 21st birthday so you don’t need to take photos all night and can focus on enjoying yourself.
Videographer
If you want to look back and remember the details of your 21st birthday then a videographeris what you need. They can capture the sound and vibe of your event, as well as special messages from your guests.
Photo Booth
A photoboothis a great form of entertainment where your friends and family dress up in silly props and costumes to take some funny photos. Depending on the company you may also get a copy of them all as a keepsake.
Need Help? Hire a Party Planner
Does your 21st birthday party to-do list feel too long?? Has scrolling through this page made the planning process seem to stressful? Don’t worry as there are people here to help you. Hiring a party planner saves you a lot of time and allows you to enjoy the process more.
Alternatively use the Easy Planner to help organise all your bookings and get your quotes in one place.
Invite Your Guests!
Last but not least invite your friends and family to your 21st birthday party! Keep in mind your venue capacity and send your invites out early so people can plan around your big event. Don't forget to include key details like venue, date, time, dress code and how to RSVP.
You can stick to the usual Facebook event for your invite, or make your invitation stand out with a more traditional method and send them via the post. There are some great stationery options for your personalised invites here, where you can choose a colour that will compliment your party theme.
21st Birthday Traditions
The Yardie
Your parents, grandparents and mates will be cheering you on for the typical Yardie challenge or 21 shot line-up. Can you beat your brothers or best mates time in downing a yard glass full of beer? Just remember to eat first and pace yourself after. You want to remember the night after all the hard work you put into planning it.
21st Birthday Key
Whether your key is of standard design or Maori, this keepsake token symbolises your passageway into adulthood where you can legally vote, drink, and marry. Use it wisely!
At home is the way for you, great!
Backyard Garden Party
Keep your parents or landlord happy, and the cream carpet clean, by hosting your 21st birthday in your garden. Whether you go for a sophisticated co*cktail party, or a throwback kids fancy dress party, a marqueeis a must for any garden party. Keep those presents dry, your grandparents in the shade (or by a heater if you’re a winter baby) and the food hot.
Classic Kiwi BBQ
If your 21st birthday lands during the hot summer then make the most of the weather with a BBQ. But hey we’re in New Zealand so who says you can’t also host a BBQ party in the winter! You’ve got your marqueehired and now you have to decide if you want to stand by the coals all night or let your dad do his best? Alternatively, why not hire a BBQ pro to cook your meat (or veggies) to perfection and line your stomach before tackling that Yardie or 21 shot lineup.
Potluck Dinner Party
Let the adulting life truly begin and host a dinner party. Potluck is simple idea where everyone brings a dish of their choice to the party. This is a great way for foodies to show off their talents, for you to save a bit of money on catering, and all dietary needs will be covered by those who have them. You may have some insta worthy dishes or some worthy of the bin, but either way it’s a great way to see in your 21st.
Stay Safe
If you are having a large party you might want to consider hiring some security. It may seem over the top but a security guard can really help when unwanted guests appear at your door or when bad behaviour erupts. They take the stress off of you and handle the situations calmly and efficiently.
You have organised a fantastic party but you are also responsible for getting your guests home again. Make sure your friends do not drink and drive by organising adial a driver so that everyone gets home safe.
Have a Blast!
Once your 21st birthday party begins you will be having the time of your life, feeling pumped that all your hard work has paid off. Enjoy it, you deserve it!
Don’t forget our top tips before the big day:
Start planning as early as possible
Set yourself a budget and stick to it
Write a to-do list and break down your tasks into manageable chunks
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with venues and suppliers
Remember that Event Planner has all the contacts and suppliers you could possibly need to organise your 21st birthday anywhere in New Zealand. We have gathered all the information into one place so you don’t need to spend hours searching online.
Lastly we want to wish you the happiest 21st birthday!
Search The Best 21st Venues Near You
